Battery
The breakaway battery supplies power to the trailer brakes after separation. Keep it charged and replace it when it no longer holds a dependable charge.
Electric trailer brakes
Trailer Breakaway Kits
Keep the backup braking system on your electric-brake trailer ready for the moment it is needed. Find complete kits, replacement batteries, chargers, and the parts that keep the setup working together.
A safety system with a simple job
Be ready if the trailer comes loose.
A trailer breakaway kit is designed for trailers with electric brakes. The system connects a small battery, a breakaway switch, and a cable to the trailer. If the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the cable pulls the switch and sends battery power to the trailer brakes.
That is why the details matter. A breakaway system is not a hitch lock, a safety chain, or a substitute for maintaining the rest of the brake system. It is a separate backup that needs a charged battery, a working switch, secure wiring, and a cable that can move freely when needed.
Whether you are replacing an older setup or finishing a new trailer build, start by matching the kit to the trailer's electric brake system. Then make sure the battery box, charging plan, mounting location, and switch connection make sense for the trailer you are actually pulling.
How the system works
Four parts working as one backup system.
Switch and cable
The cable attaches to the tow vehicle. If the trailer separates, it pulls the switch pin and starts the braking response.
Trailer brakes
The system works with electric trailer brakes. Confirm that the brakes, wiring, and connections are in good working condition before relying on the kit.
Charging connection
A charged battery is the point of the system. Use the charging method specified for the kit and check the battery before a trip.
Choose the right replacement
Start with the trailer you have.
A complete breakaway kit can be the cleanest choice when the existing box, battery, switch, or wiring has seen better days. It gives you the major pieces in one matched setup. A replacement battery, charger, battery box, or switch can make more sense when the rest of the system is in good condition and you know exactly which part needs attention.
Before ordering, look at the number of trailer axles and confirm that the trailer uses electric brakes. Check the existing battery case and mounting location, then inspect the switch, cable, terminals, and wiring for corrosion, cracks, loose hardware, or damaged insulation. A photo of the current setup can make it much easier to compare replacement parts.
Trailer condition matters too. A kit may be compact, but it lives in an exposed place. Road spray, weather, vibration, and long storage periods can affect the battery case, hardware, and electrical connections. A secure mount and protected wiring help the system stay ready between trips.
Before you tow
A quick check is worth the time.
Inspect the cable
The cable should be attached to the tow vehicle in a way that will pull the switch if the trailer separates. It should not drag on the ground, bind around the hitch, or be used as a parking-brake test.
Check the battery
Use the kit's test feature or follow the product instructions to confirm the battery is charged. A battery that has sat through a season of storage deserves extra attention before the trailer goes back on the road.
Look over the wiring
Check terminals, connectors, and wire insulation for damage or corrosion. Repairing a loose connection before travel is easier than diagnosing a failed system on the roadside.
Test in a safe place
Follow the product instructions for testing. Avoid leaving the switch activated longer than the manufacturer recommends, since it can drain the battery and place unnecessary load on the brakes.
A breakaway check belongs alongside the rest of your departure routine. Inspect the coupler, safety chains, lights, tires, trailer brakes, and connector at the same time. If anything about the breakaway system looks questionable, sort it out before the trailer is loaded and headed down the road.
Shop Trailer Breakaway Parts
View All Trailer Brakes ›Northline carries complete breakaway kits plus related battery, charger, and brake parts. Confirm fitment and system details before ordering.
Not sure what needs replaced?
Bring the trailer details. We will help narrow it down.
Call Northline with the axle count, brake information, and a photo of the existing breakaway setup. That gives the conversation a useful starting point and helps avoid ordering a part that does not fit the trailer.
Frequently asked questions
Trailer breakaway kit questions.
What is a trailer breakaway kit?
A trailer breakaway kit is a backup braking system for a trailer with electric brakes. If the trailer separates from the tow vehicle, the pull cable activates the switch so the trailer brakes can apply power from the breakaway battery.
Do I need a breakaway kit on my trailer?
Breakaway requirements vary by trailer, location, and use. Check the rules that apply to your trailer and confirm the system is appropriate for its electric brake setup before towing.
How often should I check the breakaway battery?
Check the battery and test function before a trip, especially after the trailer has been stored. Follow the kit instructions for charging, battery replacement, and testing.
Can Northline help me find the right replacement kit?
Yes. Have the number of trailer axles, brake type, existing battery box details, and a photo of the current setup ready. Northline can help narrow down a practical replacement.